10 Questions with ... Ashley Reed

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Everyone thought I was going to follow my high school boyfriend to college, and in a sense, that was true, but it also opened my eyes to a whole new passion--radio!

At Neumann University, I made a friend whose father (Steve Michaels) did Saturday mornings at WSTW. She introduced me to Natalie Antonov (who I eventually ended up interning under) and I joined the Street Team. That lead to an internship with the Morning Show, and before I even graduated, my own show on Saturday night (and a part time position in promotions). In 2015, I accepted a full-time position doing afternoon drive at sister station WAFL and in 2016, moved to Albany, NY to fulfill my dream (and eventually lose my dream) of morning drive at Fly 92.3 (WFLY).

After being let go, I moved home where I was "on the beach" for exactly 2 years and just when I was ready to swear off radio for good, I got a call from WSTW PD, Mike Rossi asking me to come back for a permanent shift on the weekend (ironically enough, the same shift Steve did). I guess you can say my career has come full circle.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Most college kids would be so upset spending their Saturday night alone, but I saw it as an opportunity to get my foot in the door and I wasn't alone, I was entertaining thousands! It was especially gratifying going out on remote and people were excited to meet me, when a full time jock was standing right there.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I grew up listening to 93.7 WSTW. It's THE station in Delaware. I always knew I wanted to be in entertainment/media, and my internship with the morning show really solidified that path. Seeing the impact of something they said, the amount of listeners who showed up to see them, plus you don't have to wear make up every day.

3. How are you using social media to augment what you're doing on the air?

I like to post the stories I tell on-air, but even funny and relatable memes, spending time with my family, stupid things my boyfriend does, showing that I am in fact a real person, somebody that you can actually get a hold of and talk to (yes, I answer all messages).

4. "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. Do you stay visible and involved in the community?

As a part-timer, I find it more challenging than when I was full time at the station (I work 6-7 days a week now). But I try to be a part of things that the station is still involved in (showing up to some remotes, donating to food and toy drives, visiting clients who may have a special sale going on that weekend).

5. What is your favorite part of the job?

It doesn't feel like work. I get to play music and talk about funny things happening in the world. When a listener calls and says "hey! I remember you!" Or "you're doing great today" and "that made me laugh, you just made my day," it's a reminder that I'm not really sitting in the studio by myself for 4 hours.

6. What is the most challenging part of the job?

No longer being as flexible as I want to be, I used to be that "go to" person when a shift needed to be covered or there was a last minute remote. Unfortunately, I needed to get permission from my boss to even pick up 4 hours a week, so it's heartbreaking to have to say "I can't."

7. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Taylor Swift. I am in love with her! She might be a very cliché answer, but she's the one person I don't think I would have to prep for. I could have a full length, very real conversation with her and it would be like friends, rather than an interview (if I could get past the fan girl phase).

8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock?

I grew up listening to Nancy Johnson and Spencer Graves so being able to work with them and learn from them has been an absolute blessing. Elvis Duran was also one of my presets--I would literally be driving to school and wait in the car just to hear the Phone Tap.

If I was home sick, I would call into the All Request Lunch Hour with Mike Rossi. To say my life has come full circle is an understatement.

9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

In addition to the above, I would also say that everyone you come in contact with has something to teach you. Every job you're let go from, is a life lesson, so to answer the question... everyone!

10. What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

It truly doesn't feel like work. I enjoy the promotions and the experiences that we provide our listeners and when people are excited to win, or we do something that "changes their life" or makes them laugh/cry tears of joy... it makes all the "bad" things seem irrelevant.

If someone were visiting Delaware for the first time, what would you make sure that they saw?

The Delaware Beaches. I mean honestly, is there anything else in Delaware!? Everyone should experience a weekend in Dewey at least once!